If you have an existing building that you want to make changes to, chances are I can help.

I love making things better. I love solving the unique and sometimes mind-boggling puzzles that remodeling and restoration of existing buildings tends to present.

My services often move forward in progression:

1. Intitial Consultation – At this point I mostly listen to the needs of my client.  I become familiar with the work desired, the challenges and limitations of the project, and the real needs that must be solved in the process of work.  I usually am able to answer some general questions about the process of a remodeling project and help my clients know what to expect.  I can generally answer questions about the overall viability of the project in question.

2. Preliminary Design – It’s unwise to jump straight from the “discussion” part of a project to the “let’s draw some plans” part.  There needs to be an interim step where the major details of the project are worked out without wasting time and money on ultra-specific ideas.  In the preliminary design phase the project is worked out in broad strokes.  The general look is finalized, the floor plan and flow is worked-out, and the project and it’s financial budget are brought into alignment.  Only when all of these important components are designed, reviewed, and agreed upon by all parties (owner, design team, general contractor, local authorities) is it time to move forward.

3. Preliminary Project Planning - At this stage, it’s time for owners to determine how they want to complete the project.  Will they hire a general contractor or act in that capacity themselves?  What is the source of the required financing and how does that impact project planning?  What are the processes and requirements for permitting or other required approvals (HOA’s, ARC, Historical Boards, etc.)?  Our job in this phase is to be an experienced guide to help our clients avoid common pitfalls and to better understand the end-game ramifications of choices made now.  We help in the process of contractor selection and contract negotiation to get our clients the best possible value.

4. Construction Documents, Detailed Designs, and Engineering – This is the process of getting all plans drawn for construction, working out all design details (architectural details, cabinetry, trim, colors, hardware, etc.), and having the overall design reviewed by a structural engineer who will design building components such as foundations, bearing walls, roof structures, etc.  The structural engineer signs and seals the drawings which are then ready for permitting and use for construction.

5. Project Procurement and Consulting – More than two decades of experience as a general contractor has made the process of “buying” all the components of a successful construction project second nature to us.  For owners who prefer to hire a general contractor at a fixed price, we can help negotiate the best possible contract for all parties.  For owners who prefer to act as their own general contractor, we can help with negotiating individual sub-contracts with all of the trades and suppliers involved in the project.

We also act as your expert advisor throughout the project to help you navigate obstacles as they arise.  Construction projects are full of surprises and those nightmare stories we help you avoid almost always arise out of some disagreement as to the responsibilities of various parties.  We help you avoid those by knowing from experience what usually goes wrong and we help you resolve them when they do arise.

One of the most unique features of remodeling, repair, and restoration projects is that they almost always include some sort of surprise offered up by the existing building or site.  These aren’t the same kind of surprises new construction offer (though we get those too), these are things like “What is that sewer line doing there?  We thought it was going to be five feet over. What do we do now?”, or “The flooring that matches your existing floor is on back-order, we’ll have to wait six weeks or pick something else.”

We help our clients handle these issues in-stride and as a matter of course.  They happen in every project and they don’t have to result in a nightmare scenario.  Often, contractors or trades suggest the resolution that best expedites the situation and thus meets their needs (to finish quickly and get paid).  Owners need an expert in their corner who knows where sacrifices can be made without damaging the original intent of the project and, conversely, where corners simply cannot be cut.

These are the services we offer.  They can be taken in part or as a whole. We handle projects as small as the design of a single cabinet.  As to how large we can go… it’s really unlimited and we have experience in projects of all types.

Contact us today at timlaytondesigns@gmail.com